10 Best Active Adult (55+) Communities to Retire in 2027

1. The Villages, Florida 🏆 BEST OVERALL

The Villages, Florida

The Villages, north of Orlando, is the largest active-adult community in the U.S., home to more than 145,000 residents. It offers over 750 holes of golf, dozens of recreation centers, pools, and a nightly entertainment scene across its town squares.

Homes range from the mid-$200,000s for "designer" models to over $1 million for premier homes, and Florida's no state income tax boosts the appeal. Golf carts are a primary mode of transport across the connected community. UF Health and other facilities serve the area.

It ranks #1 because no other community matches its scale, amenity depth, and built-in social infrastructure, all in a no-income-tax warm-weather state. It is for retirees who want a fully self-contained, highly active community.

2. Sun City, Arizona 💎 BEST VALUE

Sun City, Arizona

Sun City, near Phoenix, is the original Del Webb active-adult community, opened in 1960. It offers multiple recreation centers, golf courses, pools, and clubs for its roughly 38,000 residents, all governed by a low-cost recreation association.

The standout is value: resale homes frequently sell under $300,000, well below newer communities, and Arizona's flat 2.5% income tax with no Social Security tax helps. The dry desert climate is mild in winter and hot in summer. Banner Boswell Medical Center is on-site.

It earns Best Value because its mature amenities and sub-$300,000 homes deliver active-adult living for far less than newer developments. It is for budget-conscious retirees wanting established amenities.

3. Laguna Woods Village, California

Laguna Woods Village, California

Laguna Woods Village in Orange County offers golf, an equestrian center, pools, and 200+ clubs for its roughly 18,000 residents, in a near-ideal Southern California climate. The median home price runs near $400,000 for its condos and co-ops — affordable for coastal California.

California taxes income but exempts Social Security, and the mild year-round weather and proximity to beaches and Saddleback Medical Center are major draws. HOA and Mello-Roos costs are the main caveat.

It ranks here for retirees wanting a coastal-California climate and dense amenities at condo prices.

4. On Top of the World, Florida

On Top of the World, Florida

On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida, offers golf, pools, fitness centers, and dozens of clubs across a large gated community. Homes range from the low $200,000s to the $500,000s, more affordable than The Villages.

Florida's no income tax and Ocala's lower insurance and home costs (inland, away from the coast) make it budget-friendly. AdventHealth Ocala serves the area. The climate is warm year-round.

It earns its spot for retirees wanting Villages-style amenities at a lower price point in a more affordable Florida metro.

5. Sun City Hilton Head, South Carolina

Sun City Hilton Head, South Carolina

Sun City Hilton Head, in Bluffton, is the largest active-adult community in the Carolinas, with three golf courses, multiple amenity complexes, and a community near 17,000 residents. Homes range from the $300,000s to over $700,000.

South Carolina exempts Social Security, offers a retirement-income deduction, and has low property taxes near 0.5%. The Lowcountry climate is warm, and Hilton Head's beaches are nearby. Hurricane risk exists on the coast.

It ranks here for retirees wanting a large Carolina coastal-adjacent community with low property taxes and golf.

6. Sun City Summerlin, Nevada

Sun City Summerlin, Nevada

Sun City Summerlin, in Las Vegas, offers three golf courses, four recreation centers, and a community near 14,000 residents in the foothills west of the city. Homes range from the $350,000s to the $700,000s.

Nevada's no state income tax and low property taxes near 0.5% are strong advantages. The dry desert climate is mild in winter, and Las Vegas entertainment and Summerlin Hospital are minutes away. Summer heat is the trade-off.

It earns its spot for retirees wanting no income tax, desert warmth, and big-city amenities near a major community.

7. Trilogy at Vistancia, Arizona

Trilogy at Vistancia, Arizona

Trilogy at Vistancia, in Peoria near Phoenix, is a Shea Homes community known for its resort-style Kiva Club, golf, and modern amenities. Homes range from the high $300,000s to over $700,000.

Arizona's low flat income tax and no Social Security tax apply. The community skews toward newer, upscale homes and an active lifestyle, with healthcare nearby in the Phoenix metro. Summer heat is the main caveat.

It ranks here for retirees wanting a newer, upscale Arizona community with modern resort amenities.

8. Latitude Margaritaville, Florida

Latitude Margaritaville, Florida

Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach is a Jimmy Buffett-themed 55+ community with a band shell, beach club shuttle, pools, and a lively entertainment focus. Homes range from the $300,000s to the $500,000s.

Florida's no income tax applies, and the Atlantic-coast location adds beach access. Halifax Health serves Daytona. The themed, music-driven social scene is the distinguishing feature. Coastal insurance is the caveat.

It earns its spot for retirees wanting a fun, music-themed community with a strong entertainment culture near the beach.

9. Robson Ranch, Texas

Robson Ranch, Texas

Robson Ranch in Denton, north of Dallas, offers golf, a fitness center, pickleball, and an active clubhouse for residents 45+. Homes range from the $300,000s to over $600,000.

Texas's no state income tax and senior property-tax exemptions help, though base property taxes are high near 1.6%. The North Texas climate has warm summers and mild winters, with major Dallas-area hospitals nearby.

It ranks here for retirees wanting a no-income-tax community with full amenities near a major metro's healthcare.

10. Brunswick Forest, North Carolina

Brunswick Forest, North Carolina

Brunswick Forest near Wilmington offers a fitness and wellness center, pools, trails, and a coastal setting for all ages, with strong retiree appeal. Homes range from the $350,000s to over $700,000.

North Carolina exempts Social Security and has a low flat income tax. The coastal climate is warm, beaches are nearby, and Novant Health Brunswick serves the area. It is age-targeted rather than strictly 55+, offering a mix of residents.

It earns tenth for retirees wanting a coastal North Carolina community with wellness amenities and beach access.

How to Choose

• Understand the HOA and amenity fees. Active-adult communities charge monthly or annual fees that fund the amenities; budget these alongside the mortgage and taxes.
• Match amenities to your actual hobbies. Golf-heavy communities like The Villages suit golfers; if you prefer fitness, pickleball, or arts, confirm those specific facilities are strong.
• Weigh age-restricted versus age-targeted. Strict 55+ communities guarantee a peer environment; age-targeted communities (Brunswick Forest) offer more generational mix.
• Factor state taxes into the location. Florida, Texas, and Nevada communities offer no income tax; California taxes income but exempts Social Security.
• Confirm on-site or nearby healthcare. Communities like Sun City (Banner Boswell on-site) reduce travel for care; verify hospital proximity before choosing.

FAQ

Are all 55+ communities age-restricted? Most are, but the rules vary. Many require at least one resident to be 55 or older, and some allow younger spouses or caregivers. Always check the specific community’s guidelines, as a few are “age-targeted” rather than strictly restricted.

Do I have to buy a home, or can I rent in these communities? Both options exist, but ownership is more common. Some communities have rental homes or allow leasing from individual owners, though rental availability is often limited. Expect home prices to range from the low $200,000s to over $1 million depending on location and amenities.

What amenities are typically included in the HOA fees? Amenities often cover landscaping, clubhouse access, pools, fitness centers, and some social activities. Fees can range from around $150 to $400 per month, but high-end communities may charge more. Always ask for a full list of what’s included.

How do I know if a community is financially stable? Check the HOA’s reserve fund and recent financial audits. A well-run community should have at least 70% of its reserve funding target met. You can also talk to current residents or review meeting minutes for signs of deferred maintenance or fee hikes.

Can I still work or have visitors under 55 in these communities? Yes, most allow working residents and guests of any age. The 55+ rule typically applies to permanent residents, not short-term visitors. Some communities have restrictions on how long younger guests can stay, so verify the policy.

What’s the best way to visit and evaluate a community before buying? Schedule a stay in a rental or a “stay-and-play” package offered by many communities. Spend at least a few days, attend social events, talk to residents, and tour different home models. This gives you a real feel for the lifestyle and whether it fits your needs.

Bottom Line

For most retirees seeking a community lifestyle, The Villages, Florida is the Best Overall 55+ community to retire in 2027, with unmatched scale, 750+ holes of golf, a nightly social scene, and no state income tax. The Best Value pick is Sun City, Arizona, where mature amenities and resale homes under $300,000 deliver active-adult living for less.

Related on PULSE

• [Top 10 Best Places to Retire in Idaho](/knowledge/lv0117)
• [Top 10 Best Places to Retire in Nevada](/knowledge/lv0116)
• [Top 10 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina](/knowledge/lv0115)
• [Top 10 Best Places to Retire in South Carolina](/knowledge/lv0114)
• [Top 10 Best Places to Retire and Buy a Home](/knowledge/lv0104)
• [Top 10 Best Towns to Retire in America](/knowledge/lv0069)

Sources

• 55places.com — active-adult community profiles and pricing
• Del Webb / Shea Homes / developer sites — community amenity and home data
• U.S. Census Bureau — community population data
• Tax Foundation — state income and property tax data (taxfoundation.org)
• Zillow Home Value Index — community-area home prices
• AARP — Best Places to Retire (aarp.org)
• Local hospital systems — healthcare facility data
• U.S. News & World Report — Best Places to Retire

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